Why Poland Shouldn't Seek to Reclaim Lviv and Annex Western Ukraine

It is a misguided and outdated notion to suggest that Poland should reclaim Lviv and annex Western Ukraine, much like Russia annexed Eastern Ukraine. No one involved—Poland, Lviv, or Western Ukraine—wants such a scenario. This article will explore why this idea is neither practical nor desirable, backed by historical context, current agreements, and the realities on the ground.

Historical Precedents and Current Agreements

In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea and support rebels in Eastern Ukraine, leading to prolonged conflict. While Russia claims parts of Eastern Ukraine as its own, the reality is that the region is largely out of control. This does not serve as a justification for other countries to seek similar actions.

Poland and Ukraine have both signed treaties recognizing each other's borders. Treaty of Warsaw (1921) and Treaty of Riga (1921) are examples of these agreements, ensuring that Lviv is unequivocally within the territory of Ukraine. In 2019, Poland and Germany also signed a treaty recognizing their national borders. These treaties and borders have been accepted and remain in effect today.

The Cultural Fabric of Lviv

Lviv's rich history and cultural diversity make the idea of reclaiming it absurd. Lviv has been part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the city retains buildings from both the Austrian and Hungarian periods and earlier Polish epochs. People in Lviv take pride in their diverse heritage, which includes a strong Polish influence that has endured through centuries.

During the Soviet era, despite the presence of Soviet architecture, the people of Lviv maintained linguistic and cultural ties to Poland. My mother, who is from Lviv, speaks Polish and learned about her Polish ancestry through her parents or grandparents. Even today, signs in both Ukrainian and Polish can still be seen in Lviv, reflecting the city's complex history. Locals like the man who picks us up from the airport proudly identify as Poles and Roman-Catholic, highlighting the enduring cultural links between Lviv and Poland.

International Security and Sovereignty

During the Soviet occupation, parts of Poland were annexed by the Soviet Union under Moscow's control. However, since then, the current sovereign country of Ukraine has been fighting back against Russian aggression. This action has protected Poland from further Russian incursions, and NATO, founded to defend against Russia, has played a crucial role in safeguarding Eastern Europe.

While Poland respects international laws and has the ability to engage in diplomatic and legal frameworks, Russia's actions have been violations of several international agreements. Russia annexed Crimea and invaded the Donbas region against international condemnation. The ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine, despite not being a NATO member, has kept the Russian border at a distance, thus protecting Poland and other NATO members.

Conclusion

The idea of Poland reclaiming Lviv and annexing Western Ukraine is not only illegal under international law but also counterproductive. The historical context, current agreements, and the realities on the ground all point to the fact that such a move would be detrimental to all parties involved. Instead, the focus should be on maintaining peace, respecting borders, and fostering cooperation among nations.